Donald History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 


The Donald family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name Donald is derived from a powerful ruler. The name Donald is derived from the Gaelic name Domhnull, or MacDhomhnuill, and the Celtic name Dubnovalos, all of which mean "world ruler" or "world-mighty". The name ranks second only to John in its popularity as a personal name in Scotland.

Early Origins of the Donald family

The surname Donald was first found in Galloway (Gaelic: Gall-ghaidhealaibh), an area of southwestern Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Dumfries and Galloway, that formerly consisted of the counties of Wigtown (West Galloway) and Kirkcudbright (East Galloway), where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Donald family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donald research. Another 167 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1575, 1620, 1703, 1713, 1780 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Donald History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Donald Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Donald has been spelled Donald, Donaldson, Doneld, Donnald, Donnaldson and others.

Early Notables of the Donald family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was

Donald World Ranking

In the United States, the name Donald is the 2,477th most popular surname with an estimated 12,435 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name Donald is ranked the 898th most popular surname with an estimated 4,369 people with that name. 2 And in New Zealand, the name Donald is the 379th popular surname with an estimated 1,697 people with that name. 3 The United Kingdom ranks Donald as 919th with 7,498 people. 4

Migration of the Donald family to Ireland

Some of the Donald family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 90 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Donald migration to the United States +

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Donald were among those contributors:

Donald Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Donald Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Donald migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Donald Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Donald Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Donald migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Donald Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Donald migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Donald Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Donald (post 1700) +


The Donald Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Per mare, per terras
Motto Translation: By sea, by land.
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